We have a variety of courses available for learners of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. LEAD Education programmes are available in Sport/Coaching (Outdoor Activities), Performing Arts (Dance & Musical Theatre), Forest Schools (including Bushcraft courses), Employability skills and maths & English (including functional skills). Courses range from Entry Level to Foundation Degree subject to eligibility and individual requirements. Click here for LEAD courses.

Success, achievement and learner destinations is at the heart of LEAD Education.  We genuinely care for the welfare of each learner and aim to support all students throughout their learning journey. We ensure that everyone enrolled to a LEAD Education course maximises their true potential through quality training and engaging learning experiences.  We provide opportunities for learners to gain the necessary skills, qualifications and experience required for their next steps and career goals.

At LEAD you will experience a bespoke, engaging and true vocational learning experience while receiving high-quality training. We achieve this by employing industry specific professionals and base ourselves in state-of-the-art facilities such as professional sports centres and dance studios. We also operate in beautiful woodland locations for our Forest Schools.  Learners work and train in an environment that is safe, supportive and caters for all individual needs. A LEAD Education sports student for example will be based in one of our outdoor learning centres with highly qualified outdoor leaders while our dance students will be based in purpose built performing arts studios with professional artists.

LEAD Education programmes such as the BTEC level 3 in sport or performing arts are 2-year, full time courses (approx 20-24 hours per week). The foundation degree in sports coaching in 2 years full time with the opportunity to ‘top up’ to a full degree in year 3.  LEAP programmes usually range from 1 day per week for 12 weeks or 1 day per week across an entire academic year (approx 36 weeks). LEAP programmes are designed to meet the needs of individual schools and clients (including home educated learners).

This depends on the route you take and the programme you achieve. Learners on a BTEC Sport (Outdoor Activities) programme for example may join an apprenticeship scheme or join our foundation degree in sports coaching. Our extremely talented performing arts students however will often audition to specialist performing arts schools and conservatoires across the country and abroad.  Our LEAP programmes support learners requiring an alternative education programme and we focus here on confidence building, team work, lower level (Entry-Level 2) qualifications and employability skills.  We also deliver adult education LEAP programmes to support learners get back into work, gain new skills and offer work experience opportunities.

In addition to the core aim qualification (such as the BTEC), LEAD Education students also have the opportunity to gain: –

  • The Duke of Edinburgh GOLD Award
  • NGB and personal proficiency qualifications (e.g. in kayaking, climbing, mountaineering, power boat, jet ski, archery etc)
  • Performing Arts teaching qualifications such as ISTD
  • Skills for Employment, Training and Personal Development
  • Extended Project Qualifications (EPQ’s equivalent to half an A-Level)
  • First Aid (including Outdoor First Aid)
  • Functional Skills in maths & English
  • Forest School level 1-2 qualifications
  • John Muir and Wild Passport Awards

Our performing arts learners will have an opportunity to perform in national shows such as Can You Dance and Move It. They will also have the opportunity to perform in live shows in theatres across the UK.  Sports students will have the opportunity for residential trips and expeditions as part of their course, usually in locations such as the Lake District, Northumberland and France.

Yes, if eligible you will be entitled to a student card, bursary and travel support through an application process via our education partners.

This depends on the course you apply for. If you’re applying for one of our BTEC level 3 programmes for example you will be required to have 4 GCSE grade 4 and above (including maths and English). There are no entry requirements for our LEAP and Forest School courses.

DO. NOT. WORRY! If you fail to achieve a grade 4 in your maths and English you will be required to attend resit classes as part of your course with our lovely and very friendly GCSE/Functional Skills teachers. Again, DO. NOT. WORRY!

Yes, we have many work experience opportunities here at LEAD.  Work experience opportunities vary from course to course however. Previous learners have completed work experience in France, outdoor sports centres, working alongside PE/coaching staff in schools, outdoor sports centres (in Scotland, the Lakes etc). Depending on your career goals and personal circumstances we’ll always try and facilitate the appropriate work experience opportunities for you.

Simply choose a course and click Apply. In the first instance we’ll gather your information then email or call you where we can provide you with more information, advice and guidance. We will support you with your next steps for enrolment.

Yes, you can! We have opportunities for adult learners aged 18-24. These courses range from entry level qualifications on the adult LEAP programme to our Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching. Funding opportunities will vary from course to course however we can discuss this on an individual basis and support you.

Yes, throughout the year we host regular open evenings for both sport and performing arts courses. The open evenings are extremely interactive and student focused. Parents and carers are also welcome to attend. The open evenings are an opportunity to ask questions and find out more information about the LEAD Education programmes. Learners applying for a performing arts programme will be required to audition to meet our standards. LEAD Education are also invited to school open days and careers fairs across the country to present the various courses and programmes.  You can also find out more information on our open evenings and auditions by following us on social media where we post regularly.

Yes, we have free parking on site at LEAD Education head office. Simply sign in at reception.

All staff at LEAD Education are qualified in their own specialism e.g. fully qualified teachers, lecturers, sports coaches, performing arts teachers and forest school leaders. All staff have enhanced DBS. Staff are also trained in Safeguarding, Prevent, Equality & Diversity and Disability & Equality. LEAD Education also hold regular staff CPD/training events throughout the year (including First Aid).

We pride ourselves on being able to support all learners joining a LEAD Education programme. We will discuss individual learning needs during the application and enrolment process to ensure the appropriate support is implemented. Pastoral care, education health and care plans, finance support, UCAS guidance etc can all be discussed and catered for.

No, you are not required to wear a uniform however we do have team kit available to purchase in both sport and performing arts (including hoodies, t-shirts and leggings).

We highly recommend you supply your own lap top, PC or tablet to complete course work, assignments and research tasks. We do not have IT facilities at LEAD Education such as computer rooms; we encourage all learners to join the course with their own device. You will be able to utilise the facilities however at our education partners such as computer rooms, café, library etc. With regards to outdoor PPE and equipment we can provide all this kit for all outdoor activities. We would however advise learners on an outdoor sports programme to purchase thermals, water proofs, fleeces, hats and gloves (the basics) prior to the course.

We ensure all education programmes are ‘hands on’, vocational, industry specific and highly engaging. The BTEC sports programme for example is approx 60% practical 40% theory. The whole programme is designed to prepare learners for coaching and leadership roles, and we feel the best way to achieve this is through practical and ‘real life’ scenarios. The BTEC performing arts programme is approx 80% practical and 20% theory. This programme is designed to maximise performance in order for learners to audition to specialist dance and performing arts schools across the country.  The LEAP and Forest School programmes are both highly practical courses, approx 80% practical and 20% theory.

You will be assessed in variety of ways including assignments, video/picture evidence of practical performance, presentations, course work, observation records, artistic director notes, peer assessments and exams (exams in GCSEs and functional skills only).